With Sony confirming that it's upcoming console, the PlayStation 5, will indeed be released during the holiday season next year, it's been reported that the system will feature a brand new controller too.
Of course, given that the PS5 is a "next-gen" console, it's unlikely Sony would launch it with the same controllers currently used with the PS4. However, it's said to look very similar to the present machine's DualShock 4.
While system architect Mark Cerny refused to be drawn in after being pressed on the talk over the new controller boasting "PlayStation Assist AI", only saying "We'll talk about it another time," there's enough to go on where it's concerned.
The Assist function will operate similarly to Amazon's Alexa or Apple's Siri, providing the rumors are solid, and it's also said that it will be accessible through the PlayStation mobile app.
There's no name for the inbound device but it's probably going to be the DualShock 5. Cerny, having refused to divulge any details on the rumored Assist function, did discuss two other features.
The designer revealed that the controller will sport "adaptive triggers" which will react to whatever in-game weapon or mechanic players are using. So if you're firing an arrow from a bow in a certain game, the triggers will tighten. The feature will also make the firing of different types of guns feel different.
Cerny also pointed to new haptic feedback which will cause more rumbling and tangible reactions to different environments. The controller will also have programmable voice-call actuators in each grip and could be charged via a USB Type-C.
These features, as well as the improved controller speaker, will help gamers feel exactly what they're playing. Moving in sand will give off a slow feel, mud will feel soggy and water will feel more buoyant, while shooting a pistol will feel very different from firing a shotgun.
Given these new operations, it is believed that the PS5 controller will be heavier than the PS4's. But there's still lots to be confirmed ahead of the console's launch, which is still over a year away.
Source: WIRED